Unity in steps forward for Walking off the War Within in Ballarat

Extended emergency services have always been part of the event’s message, but the first two years of Walking off the War in Ballarat have predominantly looked at the links between the army and firefighters. This has followed in the legacy of firefighter and former soldier Nathan Shanahan, who set out on a 400-kilometre walk to raise awareness for those struggling, one year before he took his own life.

Now event organisers Josh Martin and Nathan’s dad John Shanahan want to make sure they reach and help as many armed and emergency service personnel as possible in what is both a call-to-arms for awareness of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder across the ranks.  But the walk also encourages everyone to share the burden in a show of united support.

Walking off the War Within delivered a combined $15,000 to Soldier On, Lifeline Ballarat and peer-support group Survivors of Suicide from the March event.

Soldier On national business development manager Solomon Hanks said there were lots of ties between the armed and emergency services, with so many former defence force personnel who continued a career in the emergency services.

“We really are one big family – emergency services and the military,” Mr Hanks said. “What Nathan started and the way John, the Shanahan family and friends have continued is really exceptional. This is a really significant partnership for us.”

Lifeline Ballarat program manager Michelle MacGillivray said the event was a powerful personal reminder for anyone in the community struggling with darkness to seek help, because there was always hope.

“It is really admirable the way Nathan’s family and friends continue to raise the issue of mental health and suicide – it takes real personal strength to do that,” Ms MacGillivray said.

Survivors of Suicide chairman Bradley Drew said the funding would promote education to break mental health stigma and support SoS’ monthly bereavement group.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help:

LIFELINE Ballarat will host a structured support program later this year for people across the region affected by suicide.

Initial attempts to launch the program last month were postponed due to a lack of numbers but Lifeline Ballarat program facilitator Michelle MacGillivray said it was vital the group had people at a stage in their journey where they could benefit from the shared experience.

The professionally facilitated program is funded by Ballarat and District Suicide Prevention Network in a bid to fill a gap in suicide bereavement and prevention in the region.

In a four-week structured program, facilitators will focus on education, mutual support and coping development in the ripple effects of grief.

Sessions are closed group and require participants to commit to all four sessions due to program structure.

Those wanting to take part in the suicide bereavement support group can register interest with Lifeline Ballarat on 5322 4996.

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